Thermoelectric Multiphase Cooling for Inductive Charging Heat

Solution Overview

Problem

Inductive charging generates excessive heat, which can lead to device failure and performance deficiencies, and traditional cooling methods like fans consume additional power and create noise, while also being prone to failure.

Innovation Solution

A multiphase pumping mechanism using a thermoelectric cooling device with a closed loop system that alternately heats and cools a fluid to extract excess heat from electronic components, eliminating the need for traditional cooling pumps and fans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional cooling methods using fans and blowers are employed, then heat dissipation is achieved, but power consumption increases and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan/blower system with a thermoelectric cooling device that uses electrical current to directly pump heat from the battery to the heat sink, eliminating moving parts and reducing power consumption while maintaining effective heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermoelectric cooling device as an intermediary between the battery and heat sink, which actively transports heat through the solid-state Peltier effect, providing more efficient heat transfer compared to passive convection methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If traditional cooling methods using fans and blowers are employed, then heat dissipation is achieved, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan/blower system with a thermoelectric cooling device that uses electrical current to directly pump heat from the battery to the heat sink, eliminating moving parts and reducing power consumption while maintaining effective heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If inductive charging is used to transfer power wirelessly, then charging convenience is improved, but excessive heat is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidexcessive heat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures the waste heat generated during inductive charging and redirects it through the thermoelectric cooling device to pre-cool the battery, converting the harmful heat into a beneficial cooling effect that reduces overall thermal management requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermoelectric cooling device as an intermediary between the battery and heat sink, which actively transports heat through the solid-state Peltier effect, providing more efficient heat transfer compared to passive convection methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Temperature

If forced convection cooling is used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but device reliability decreases due to fan failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan/blower system with a thermoelectric cooling device that uses electrical current to directly pump heat from the battery to the heat sink, eliminating moving parts and reducing power consumption while maintaining effective heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively cools electronic devices during inductive charging without the power consumption, noise, or reliability issues associated with traditional cooling systems, ensuring efficient heat management and extended device lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric cooling device having first and second opposed surfaces... means for alternately heating and cooling a fluid utilizing a thermoelectric cooling device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

Since coolant moves as a result of the pressure and temperature imbalance within the closed loop system, traditional cooling pumps and fans are not required

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12082372B2Method, apparatus, and computer program product for multiphase cooling of a mobile electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for providing a multiphase pumping mechanism configured for multiphase cooling of electrical charging circuitry. In the context of an apparatus, the apparatus includes a thermoelectric cooling device having first and second opposed surfaces and a fluid circulation path having first and second branches in thermal communication with the first and second surfaces, respectively, of the thermoelectric cooling device. The fluid circulation path is configured to control flow of fluid therethrough such that the fluid alternately flows through the first and second branches. The first branch of the fluid circulation path is also configured to be in a thermal communication with at least one first component of a mobile electronic device in order to absorb heat and correspondingly cool the at least one first component of the mobile electronic device.